Phyllis Wade named '07 PGA TOUR volunteer of the year

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NEW ORLEANS -- The PGA TOUR announced today that Phyllis Wade has been named the 2007 PGA TOUR Volunteer of the Year. Wade has served as a volunteer for the past 60 years at the Northern Trust Open, as well as several other PGA TOUR tournaments. During this time, she has seen the likes of Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods inside the ropes at Riviera Country Club, and she has volunteered in virtually every capacity in assuring the success of the event.

Phil Mickelson, 2008 Northern Trust Open winner, takes a swing with the Riviera Country Club Clubhouse in the background. (Condon/PGA TOUR)

"The PGA TOUR congratulates Phyllis for her 60 years of service to the Northern Trust Open," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "She is part of the fabric and history of the event and epitomizes the spirit of the thousands of dedicated volunteers who are a key ingredient to the success of the PGA TOUR, our tournaments and the significant contributions to the communities in which we play."

Currently, the Santa Monica resident spends most of her time in the media center during tournament week, where she clips and copies newspaper articles and answers the telephone. Her story of volunteerism has been chronicled in several national news outlets this year, including The New York Times, USA TODAY, Sports Illustrated and the Los Angeles Times.

"Through her 60 years with the Northern Trust Open, Phyllis has demonstrated the true volunteer spirit that has contributed to the growth and success of our tournament," said Northern Trust Open Tournament Director Tom Pulchinski. "Everyone associated with our event is extremely pleased that she is being recognized by the PGA TOUR."

Academy Prep named PGA TOUR Charity of the Year

On March 7th, Academy Prep Center for Education, the primary charity of the PODS Championship (Tampa Bay, Fla.), was named the 2007 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year. The announcement was made in conjunction with the tournament's dates (March 3-9).

With two schools in the Tampa Bay area, Academy Prep serves to promote the educational, social and ethical development of middle school students who qualify for full need-based scholarships and who have the ability and desire to succeed in a rigorous academic program to become positive, productive members of society.

Academy Prep will receive $30,000 for the enhancement of library facilities, including books and supplemental materials, reading assessment software for the classrooms and computer labs, and library equipment.